You can see it a bit better in this 1969 photo. By then the ride was nine years old, and in its way it gives Disneyland's Mine Train a run for its money. Also, if you have seen vintage postcards of "scenic railways" from the early 1900's, there is a definite resemblance between those venerable rides and the Knott's version.
LOVE the mine train! We're not likely to ever see anything quite like it built again.
ReplyDeleteThe best ride at Knott's. That's my memory of it. Been a very long time since I've been on the grounds. Was better when the Knott family owned the business. I see the cost was 50 cents. It was worth every penny when a penny could still buy something.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I never realized that there were non-Disney parks with this level of theming before blogs like yours.
ReplyDeleteI take it that the Calico ride is no longer with us? What a shame! If only to go there and to Freedomland!
Brer Dan
Anonymous, the Calico Mine Train is, happily, still at Knott's Berry Farm. It is an all-time classic, along with the neighboring Log Ride!
ReplyDeleteIt is truly the best attraction at Knott's - if this was the only thing Bud Hurlbut had ever done, he would still be considered a genius....
ReplyDeleteThis place rocked ... get it, rocked ... mine ... OK moving right alone....
ReplyDeleteThis was without a doubt the best ride ever. I know there are a lot of trick rides in a lot of different places today, but this tops the absolute great memories list. Thanks Major awesome pics.
The ride is still there and still great. I always loved the big cavern area from which mysterious organ music would bellow. Who knew caves had such sound systems?
ReplyDeleteSadly, the old locomotive only runs on weekends now, though.
Wow! Thanks for the information--I have to make my way over there now!
ReplyDeleteBrer Dan
I lived in southern CA from 65-84 and loved Knott's... these pictures make me ache to see it again. Is it stil the same? I am almost afraid to visit again and be disappointed.
ReplyDelete